Thailand Live Tuesday 1 Apr 2014

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Thaksin's son proposes election of interim PM to carry out reform

BANGKOK: -- Pantongtae Shinawatra, the son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Tuesday proposed an election of an interim prime minister to carry out reforms of the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715535-thaksins-son-proposes-election-of-interim-pm-to-carry-out-reform/

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Two freighters collide off Rin island



BANGKOK: -- A patrol boat was dispatched by the Royal Thai Navy to the sea off Rin island in response to a SOS call after the collision of two freighters on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715536-two-freighters-collide-off-rin-island/

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Suthep says protests drag on far too long and need to end this month



BANGKOK: -- Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban announced Monday night that the protests by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee have dragged on for far too long and must end within this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715537-suthep-says-protests-drag-on-far-too-long-and-need-to-end-this-month/

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Government searches for ways to invest in 2.2 trillion baht project



BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) — The Ministry of Finance is currently searching for ways to invest in the 2.2 trillion baht mega project by laying out strategies, budgeting plans, and other means of investing with the private sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715538-government-searches-for-ways-to-invest-in-22-trillion-baht-project/

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Passenger flow at Suvarnabhumi Airport increases 4% after Emergency Decree lifted
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 1 - The number of passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport increased immediately by 4 per cent compared to the period when the Emergency Decree in the capital and its adjacent areas was in effect.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715539-passenger-flow-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-increases-4-after-emergency-decree-lifted/

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Thai shoppers rank second in Asia-Pacific on mobile shopping



BANGKOK: -- Thailand has the highest number of people in Asia-Pacific region using smartphones for mobile shopping after China. Most purchases among Thai smartphone users are fashion items.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715540-thai-shoppers-rank-second-in-asia-pacific-on-mobile-shopping/

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UPDATE:

Government confident April 5 political rallies under control
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 1 - Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said today that the Internal Security Act (ISA) is sufficient for the authorities to control the situation on April 5 when both anti- and pro-government groups will set their mass rallies in motion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715508-capo-to-ensure-safety-and-order-on-april-5/#entry7636244

[Lite Beer]

Nuttawut says red shirts will not clash with PDRC supporters

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar Tuesday insisted that the planned mass rally of the reds shirts on Saturday is not aimed at confronting or anti-government protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715508-capo-to-ensure-safety-and-order-on-april-5/#entry7636606

[Rimmer]

Cabinet to consult Council of State how to implement Constitutional Court's ruling on Feb 2 poll

BANGKOK:--The caretaker Cabinet will consult the Council of State on how to implement the Constitutional Court's ruling on the February 2 election, PM's Secretary General Suranand Vejjajiva said Tuesday.

He said the ruling did not use the term of "invalid" to describe the election but the ruling said the election was wrongful so the Cabinet would have to consult the Council of State how to interpret the ruling so that the government would not breach the charter.

-- The Nation 2014-04-01

[Lite Beer]

Army: No Need For Martial Laws To Contain Rallies

By Khaosod English.

BANGKOK: -- Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army has denied reports that the military might impose martial laws to contain rival mass protests on 5 April.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715508-capo-to-ensure-safety-and-order-on-april-5/#entry7636600

[Lite Beer]

After fatal building collapse, officials reassure that Phuket underpass is safe
Phuket Gazette -

Safety evaluation reports for Phuket’s first underpass are filed every month, affirmed Phuket Highways Director Samak Luedwonghad. Photo: Woranut Pechdee

PHUKET: Phuket Highways Office Director Samak Luedwonghad has called for confidence in the construction of the island’s first underpass in the wake of a fatal building collapse which killed 10 people in Samut Prakarn last month.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715556-after-fatal-building-collapse-officials-reassure-that-phuket-underpass-is-safe/

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Another warning of heavy storms and hails issued



BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s northern, northeastern and central regions are to face another round of torrential rains, thunderstorms and expected hails due to sudden change of temperatures as the result of a strong high pressure system moving down from China this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715582-another-warning-of-heavy-storms-and-hails-issued-for-thailand/

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Constitutional Court to decide Wednesday whether to proceed with petition against Yingluck

The Constitutional Court will Wednesday decide whether to proceed with a petition by a group of senators against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra related to unlawful transfer of the National Security Council chief.

Pimol Thampithakpong, the court's spokesman, said the court would hold a meeting to discuss whether to accept the petition from the group of 40 senators against Yingluck related to the transfer of Thawil Pliensri from the post of NSC secretary general.

The Supreme Administrative Court ruled that Yingluc's order to transfer Thawil was unlawful.

The senators accused Yingluck of violating Articles 180, 182 (7), 268 and 266 (2), (3) for interfering in permanent official's tranfer for vested interest.


-- The Nation 2014-04-01

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Reds Press Charge Against Court For Annulling Election
By Khaosod English

Chinag Rai

BANGKOK: -- Pro-government supporters in many province have simultaneously filed complaint against the Constitutional Court for invalidating 2 February general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715591-redshirts-press-charges-against-constitutional-court-for-annulling-election/

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Four anti-government protesters shot, injured

BANGKOK: -- Four protesters led by the Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR) were shot and injured Tuesday afternoon.

The protesters were shot at 2:44 pm while they were returning from joining a rally at the Government Complex.


-- The Nation 2014-04-01

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Tourism Police spearheads safety measures for the upcoming Songkran Festival



BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) - The Commander of the Tourism Police has announced that he is ready to set forward safety plans for the upcoming Songkran Festival.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715598-thai-tourist-police-spearheads-safety-measures-for-the-upcoming-songkran-festival/

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UDD chair Jatuporn says red shirts will rally Saturday at Aksa Road, Buddhamonthon; gathering expected to last 2-3 days /MCOT

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ANTI-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN
STR guard shot dead in Nonthaburi
The Nation


Photo : Thai PBS

BANGKOK: -- A security guard for the Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform was shot dead and three STR-led protesters were injured in an ambush on Tuesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715606-str-guard-shot-dead-in-nonthaburi/

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Director of CAPO believes that NACC will uphold justice in the rice pledging case

BANGKOK, 1 April 2014 (NNT) - Chalerm Yubamrung Director of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has commented on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's testimony at the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) yesterday, concerning corruption in the government's flagship rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715607-chalerm-believes-that-nacc-will-uphold-justice-in-the-rice-pledging-case/

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SET index closed 1,387.48, up 11.22; Bt/USD32.22; GBP53.58; AUD29.70; EUR44.31; CAD28.99; HKD4.14; SGD25.47; JPY31.08

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RT @tulsathit: 1. Imminent Constitution Court ruling on ex-NSC chief Thawil's case is getting more significant due to possibly immediate impact on govt.

RT @tulsathit: 2. Thawil's case ends at Constitution Court. Neither NACC nor Senate are involved. Negative ruling could seriously impact govt status.

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RT @tulsathit: 3. Yingluck's submitted evidence demanding more rice scheme inquiry. NACC can't make an immediate decision on her.

RT @tulsathit: 4. Senate election results favour impeachment survival for YL and Senate speaker Nikhom.

RT @tulsathit: 5. After weeks of street tension, we are looking at a legal fight that is technical and timing sensitive involving court, EC and NACC.

RT @tulsathit: 6 (end). Whether the epic legal showdown will end or rekindle street turmoil will be known soon.

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UPDATE:

Malaysia releases MH370 transcript, says nothing 'abnormal'

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-136?p=7637241#entry7637241

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Caretaker Cabinet extends free train, bus services
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 1 -- The caretaker Cabinet on Tuesday extended free third-class train and non-air conditioned bus services to the low-income Thai public for another one month to help reduce their cost of living.

Pakdeharn Himathongkham, acting deputy government spokesman, said that the caretaker cabinet has agreed that free rides on third-class trains and regular buses will last through April 1- 30. The free transport measures expired yesterday.

The issue will be forwarded to the Election Commission (EC) for approval.

The scheme would cost the caretaker government around Bt355 million as compensation for the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

The measures began in 2008 during the administration of the late former prime minister Samak Sundaravej to assist low-income earners.

Under the free transport measures, the BMTA will provide 800 buses per day for free rides while the SRT will run 164 rail trips daily. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-04-01

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Red Shirts will hold mass rally in Aksa Road: UDD chair
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, April 1 -- The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), Thailands's red shirts group, will hold a mass rally Saturday in Aksa Road in Nakhon Pathom's Buddhamonthon and the gathering is expected to last 2-3 days, according to UDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715631-red-shirts-will-hold-mass-rally-in-aksa-road-udd-chairman-jatuporn/

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RT @KhaosodEnglish: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra poses with the book "The End of Yingluck" by Matichon columnist Wassana Nanuam http://t.co/AORxRiegIR

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UPDATE:

One dead in gun attack on Thai protesters

BANGKOK, April 1, 2014 (AFP) - A Thai anti-government protester was shot dead and several others wounded Tuesday when their vehicle came under attack, officials said, reigniting tensions in Bangkok after weeks of relative calm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715606-str-guard-shot-dead-in-nonthaburi/#entry7637416

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UPDATE:

Gunfire On PCAD Tollway Convoy Kills 1
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Unidentified assailants have opened fire on anti-government demonstrators' motorised convoy in Nonthaburi province today, killing one protester.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715606-str-guard-shot-dead-in-nonthaburi/page-2#entry7637536

[Lite Beer]

Sakon Nakhorn Village Gripped By Fear Of Temple Curse

By Khaosod English.

Residents of Na Piang village in Sakon Nakhorn are convinced their community has been haunted by a curse ever since a local temple was demolished.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715661-sakon-nakhorn-village-gripped-by-fear-of-temple-curse/

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to continue:

Thailand Live Wednesday 2 Apr 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/715733-thailand-live-wednesday-2-apr-2014/